24 GREECE Little Lesbos up for sale Sea view: Little Lesbos currently uninhabited but a building permit can be applied for at local government agencies. What Christmas present do you buy for the relative who has everything? If they have a taste for fresh fish, olive oil and an Aegean Sea breeze you could get them their own Greek island. A 16-acre land mass off the coast of one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean has been put on the international market for the first time. Little Lesbos is just min- utes by boat from the island of Lesbos and has an asking price of AUD $1.2 million, less than the price of a twobedroom flat in many parts of London. The island is located 200 metres opposite the sleepy village of Pamfila. Once there, it's a 10-minute drive to Mytilini, Lesbos' capital and main port, founded in the eleventh century BC. Lesbos is accessible by international airport or ferry and is a favourite of travellers, thanks to its beautiful setting, history, fiery ouzo and stunning beaches. The estate agents selling the small island say Mediterranean private islands rarely come on the market - and when they do, they often have an astronomical price-tag. Little Lesbos has clear water bays, smooth sandy beaches and abundant vegetation. Sabine Rollinger, of Vladi Private Islands, which is marketing the sale, said: “This is one of a kind. The waters surrounding the island are clear and tranquil. “Fresh water can be gained by installing rain catching or desalination systems. Sewage can be brought over to the mainland or composted.” Lack of innovation in Greek entrepreneurship The annual employment report from the Labor Ministry points out that those setting up a business tend to resort to easier activities in the service sector such as commerce and catering ROYLA SALOUROU The annual employment report from the Labour Ministry illustrates the lack of innovation in Greek entrepreneurship, as those setting up a business tend to resort to easier activities in the service sector such as commerce and catering. It also points to the decimation of many small enterprises and the fact that the majority of employed people work for just 1.6 per cent of employers. Among the positive features of the report based on data from the ministry's Ergani register of hirings and dismissals is the increase in employment, as within one year employers have created a total of 159,729 jobs, while at the same time 17,714 new enterprises were set up offering work to at least one employee. The figures for 2013 had shown the number of enterprises employing at least one worker numbering 196,695, but this climbed to 214,409 this year, or a 9 per cent increase within 12 months. Nine out of 10 of those firms (89.6 per cent) employ just one person. Just under half of all enterprises (45.5 per cent) are active in catering and wholesale and retail commerce: Retail companies account for 17.98 per cent of enterprises, 13.12 per cent are in catering and 10.72 per cent in wholesale trade. The total number of salary workers in Greece amounts to 1,531,179 people this year, up from 1,371,450 in 2013. This constitutes a 11.65 per cent increase in salaried employment in 12 months. However, more than one in Unemployment falls to 25.7 per cent in September Greece's jobless rate fell to 25.7 per cent in September from a upwardly revised 26 per cent rate in August as the country's six-year recession eases, Greek statistics agency ELSTAT said on Thursday. September's reading was the lowest since August 2012 when unemployment stood at 25.5 per cent. The record high was set in September 2013, when unem- ployment hit 28 per cent. Greece's unemployment is coming down from record highs as the economy stabilises after a severe sixyear recession but remains at more than double the euro zone average of 11.5 per cent in September. The Greek economy is projected to expand by 0.6 per cent this year. Source: Reuters SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2014 Two dead following heavy rain in Thessaloniki, Kilkis The bodies of two men were retrieved by members of rescue teams in Thessaloniki and Kiklis, northern Greece, following heavy rainfall in the area, raising the number of dead to four since last Saturday. The first victim, a 44-yearold man, was reportedly swept up by the River Gallikos in his efforts to cross the river on foot. The body of the second victim, a 49-year-old man, was located half-way between the villages of Aspros and Kokartza. Early reports suggested he had been a passenger in a FYROM-licenced taxi which fell into an irrigation canal. The taxi driver managed to exit the vehicle and subsequently alerted authorities. Source: Kathimerini Many small enterprises disappear. every five employees (21.81 per cent or 333,918 people) are in part-time employment or shift work. Of the remaining 1,197,271, 39.75 per cent receive a gross salary of between 500 and 1,000 euros per month. A total of 8.95 per cent of employees receive salaries below the official minimum level. Total monthly expenditure for salaries amounts to 1.595 billion euros gross. Interestingly, the majority of employees (70.99 per cent) be- long to the 19-44 age group, with 777,073 people in the 30-44 age bracket. This is the large group of workers expected to be affected by the upcoming increase in the required years of employment from 15 to 20 for the right to a reduced or full pension. There are also 28.43 per cent of employees aged between 45 and 64 in the private sector, while 5,495 people are still working beyond the age of 64 years, and declaring so to the authorities.